Audi boasted on the fast charging capabilities of its e-tron electric SUV, which not only can charge at around 150 kW peak, but also keeps the maximum power for a wide state-of-charge (SOC).

The German manufacturer says that the full charge can be completed in less than 50 minutes:

  • replenishing of 100 km (62 miles) of range in less than 10 minutes
  • 0-80% charging in 30 minutes
  • full charging to 100% less than 50 minutes
  • peak power of 150 kW available over a large portion of the charging procedure (up to 70-80% SOC)

While the pace of charging is really a strong point of the e-tron, the German manufacturer needs to include that Tesla improved its new S/X models to accept up to 150 kW (from ≈120 kW previously), and Model 3 can get up to 250 kW at V3 Superchargers.

Here is how Audi presents the charging performance of the e-tron:

Audi e-tron fast charging

One of the key elements to achieve fast charging rate is sophisticated thermal management of the battery pack, because batteries can't charge fast at high or low temperatures. The optimal window for cells used in the e-tron is 25-35°C.

Audi e-tron - Cooling the lithium-ion battery during DC charging via the NT cooler

While the technical capabilities of fast charging were secured, the last but very important element of fast charging is the availability of fast chargers.

Tesla solved it through its proprietary Supercharging network. Audi on the other hand, as well as the rest of the automotive industry,  is relying on public DC fast chargers and joint venture IONITY with several other manufacturers to build public ultra-fast charging network.

Comprehensive: the charging options
In addition the charging power and battery capacity, the availability of charging terminals is a key factor in limitless, worry-free electric mobility. Audi has not left anything to chance regarding the infrastructure either. With its dedicated e-tron Charging Service, the brand with the four rings currently makes around 100,000 charging points available in 17 EU countries by card or smartphone. Standardized, country-specific prices mean that you can travel freely and easily without having to constantly compare prices. On longer trips, Audi customers charge their cars at the HPC terminals of the IONITY network at special conditions. This network is being gradually expanded and is set to have 400 stations in 2020 already. Additional HPC charging points operated by reputable providers round off the e-tron Charging Service for long-distance journeys and create additional flexibility.

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